Thanksgiving – that beloved holiday where we all get together and eat a huge meal -–is right around the corner again. One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the gathering of friends and family, which in many homes also includes canine companions. Dogs deserve Thanksgiving dinners too but, you may be wondering how much of your feast can safely be shared with your pet.
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Most people already know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine which a dog is not easily able to metabolize. If canines ingest large amounts of chocolate they could experience seizures or heart arrhythmia (among other things). Sometimes it’s easy to think about our pets as simply furry people but, their digestive systems cannot handle many of the same foods our human stomachs can. Don’t let that stop you from allowing your dog to partake in a Thanksgiving dinner though.
There are, indeed, Thanksgiving foods that are safe for dogs.
While the American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend giving your dog turkey bones, turkey meat with no skin is definitely acceptable. The reason is that the outer skin layer has likely been prepared with butter or spices which can cause pancreatitis in canines. Turkey bones, like most poultry bones, are brittle so they splinter easily which could result in sharp shards piercing the stomach or intestinal lining (which is life-threatening and would be a very costly vet visit). They’re also small enough in size to be a potential choking hazard.
As long as your sweet potatoes don’t contain any added ingredients, they are safe for your dog. They’re also a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins B6 and C, and carotene which is converted into vitamin A, a vital nutrient for vision.
You can also buy dog-specific sweet potato treats to share with your pet on Thanksgiving.
Serve your canine companions baked or boiled potatoes without butter, sour cream, or salt. Remember, when it comes to pets, plain is the best option.
With ample amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, apples make a healthy treat for pets. Don’t give them the entire apple, though: cut around the core as apple seeds in big quantities could be toxic – though your dog would have to ingest a pretty substantial amount of apple cores to reach a toxic dose. Apple seeds contain hydrogen cyanide which is released when the seeds are chewed so it’s always best to err on the safe side.
Again, as long as they are unencumbered by butter or spices, green beans are safe to feed your dog. They’re high in fiber, manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Pumpkin is a great way to help keep your dog’s skin and coat looking healthy. And it’s great for their digestive health as well.
In general, don’t feed your dog any foods that contain butter, cream spices, or high-fat levels. Avoid sharing casseroles or any “creamed” iteration of a vegetable with furry family members. The American Kennel Club also cautions against letting your dog eat grapes or their dried version: raisins, as well as onions and garlic which can cause anemia. Ham, which usually has tons of sodium, can also be harmful to canines.
If you prefer not to feed your dog from the table at all, consider something like this Thanksgiving dinner dog-specific food from Merrick.
I’ve always found Thanksgiving both a slightly odd and comforting holiday. For a nonsectarian one, it often comes with loads of tradition. And for a celebratory one, it lacks any sort of gift-giving ritual but instead encourages us to be grateful for what we do have. In this time of polarization and vastly different viewpoints, one thing that most of us can agree to be thankful for is our dogs. And for that, they deserve all the treats.